FAQs

In general, barge draft when floating empty ranges from 12” to 20” depending on the particular model of barge. Poseidon offers applications engineering support to evaluate proper platform size and corresponding loaded and unloaded platform drafts for your project.

A spud is a vertically oriented section of pipe, designed to penetrate the seabed, that anchors the barge in place. It is a common method for holding work barges stationary in the water. A spud pocket is a structural bracket which holds the spud to the side of the barge. The spud pocket mounts on the side of the barge utilizing the barge’s modular connection system. Spuds and spud pockets are important accessories for most sectional barge applications.

The standard Poseidon spud pockets are externally mounted which gives the flexibility to position the spuds on the barge so that they are not in the way while completing work. While not offered as standard equipment, internal spud wells can be part of a custom barge solution to purchase for your project needs. Internal spud wells hold the spuds completely within the structure of the barge deck and can be designed to house square or round spuds.

Spuds can be used to keep the barge platform in place, even in environments with water current or boat wakes. The spuds are lowered into the water and the weight of the spud contacting the seabed can provide significant holding power. Alternatively for deeper water or adverse bottom conditions, MES offers mooring solutions using anchors, wire rope, and winches which can be used to secure the barge in place.  Long runs of cable above the waterline should be clearly marked for safety, so that they are visible to all vessel traffic.

Poseidon offers winch systems for rent and sale that raise and lower the spuds. Please talk to your Poseidon Territory Manager for guidance on procuring the steel cable as well. Alternatively, the spud can be raised and lowered with equipment such as a crane or excavator. Poseidon offers spud collars that serve as load rated lifting devices to help facilitate safe access to crane leads, instead of connecting the leads to the very top of the spud.

The difference between these three styles of barges is the connection system. Refer to the product page to see the difference, or speak with your Territory Manager. Poseidon prides itself in manufacturing sectional barges that are compatible with equipment that is already in the marketplace. If a customer already owns a particular brand of sectional barge, a Poseidon Territory Manager can recommend the model that will connect to the customer’s stock.

The contractor is responsible to return the equipment in an undamaged condition. For example, any brackets welded to the barge must be removed and the remaining weldment ground off before returning the barges. Poseidon requires the use of crane mats to help protect the surface of the barge, and to help distribute the concentrated loads of heavy construction equipment over a larger area of the barge platform. Upon completion of the post-rental assessment, pictures and estimates for repairs will be forwarded to the customer as quickly as possible. Repair charges will be invoiced back to the customer. For more information, see our General Use Guidelines and Damage Criteria definitions.

The thickness of steel varies depending on the specific surface of the barge as well as the barge type. Decks, ends, and sides are ¼” thick. Bottoms range from ¼” to 3/8”. Specific thicknesses can be found on working drawings. While these are the standard thicknesses for barges, different steel thicknesses and strength grades can be incorporated for custom applications.

Poseidon offers several solutions designed to bridge the gap between the barge deck and the shore- including  buoyant ramp sections, hinged ramps that connect to the barge, and loading ramps that sit atop the barge. In general, a barge platform should remain free floating while the equipment weight transitions from the land to the barge.

Sectional barges are designed to be used only when floating in the water. “Beaching” or “grounding” the barges can result in damage because the loads are not able to be equally distributed to the connectors as they typically are when the barges are free floating. Additionally, damage to the bottom plating can occur especially on rocky, uneven terrain.

All Poseidon barges are built standard with an 18” galvanized deck hatch that provides access to the internal barge space, for inspection, maintenance, or repair. Custom hatch sizes and quantities can be requested per application requirements. Please note that internal barge voids are considered confined space and appropriate safety precautions should always be followed.

There may be some options for Lease to Own or Financing, but they must be discussed prior to entering an agreement. There could be special terms or fees involved. Or, you may finance through an outside banking institution. For example, Leasecorp, Inc in Noblesville, IN has dealt directly with the customer for their financing need.

Our sales representatives can assist you in setting up the barges. Typical setup, depending on the size of the platform, can be completed in less than a day. This can be scheduled while arranging for delivery of barges.

The capacity of a barge platform is a function of hull depth, size of the platform, and how and where the platform is being used. The Poseidon team provides applications engineering support to assist in designing a platform size for your specific application. A wide variety of hull depths are offered ranging from 4 ft to 10ft to provide the best fit from the smallest to the largest jobs. For more specific information, please visit our Products section.

The weight of Poseidon barges vary with the style of barge as well as the length of barge. A P1 40’ x 10’ x 5’ barge weighs 23,200 lbs while a P10 44’ x 11’ x 10’ barge weighs 46,200 lbs. While P1 and P2 style 40’ barges can be shipped two per truck, P3 and P10s must be shipped one per truck. Please visit our Products section for a list of weights for all barge sections.

Poseidon sectional barges are transported via third party tractor trailer trucks. There are local and national companies who can haul two P1 or P2 40’ barges on a step deck trailer. P3 barges must be shipped one per truck. There is a limited number of lightweight trailers available so the more notice that is given, the more likely we will be able to accommodate your needs. The customer may arrange for their own freight as well.

Poseidon will assist in arranging freight. It is the contractor’s responsibility to pay for both incoming and outgoing freight. Poseidon can invoice the customer if preferred.

The contractor is responsible for insuring the barges while they are in your possession. We will need a Certificate of Insurance, prior to arranging delivery, naming Poseidon, LLC as an “Additional Insured” under your general liability policy, as well as listing us as a “Loss Payee” under your equipment floater policy for dual protection against physical damage. The insurance value would be the original purchase price.

Outboard-powered aluminum workboats are available for rent or purchase, which are helpful for both crew transport and pushing the barges in the water. Poseidon also offers the Sea Bee thruster system in both single and dual configurations, utilizing a hydraulic power unit with helm station and externally mounted drive units.  If a non-Poseidon push boat is used, make sure that the push boat has push knees with a bumper system in order to protect the sides of the barge from damage.

Stay tuned for more information.

Standard Poseidon barges have interiors that are one continuous section, they do not have bulkheads or baffles. Poseidon does not recommend adding ballast water to the internal void spaces as it can incur accelerated corrosion of the barge interior as well as stability issues due to the sloshing of the water.

The customer may purchase barges at the end of the rental, however, in general lease payments cannot be put towards the purchase price.